I know I paid and became a member of LingQ years ago but I can’t do anything on there now! I don’t know how to communicate to them and see if they can help find my status which should have been PAID IN FULL for everything years ago and for a few years I can’t use it. I used to like it but I am not sure now!! 😢
Thank you for validating my learning process. I started learning French three years ago when I retired. I do it for my personal enjoyment, and to help keep the French language alive in southwest Louisiana. In the beginning, I followed a very traditional path which was no fun at all. So ditched random vocabulary memorization, chapter tests, level tests, even reading comprehension tests. LinqQ has been an invaluable resource for me. On my third attempt, I found an online, beginner, very small conversational French class and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I hope to one day be able to speak French with my granddaughter who will attend a French Immersion school. ⚜️
Language classes have always helped me alot: but my friends and I used to meet once a week to hang around at a nice pub or a mall to use English (my native language being Portuguese) and they helped me keep on taking the course! And the language school helps those who have difficulties in finishing things with this!
I once took an online English grammar test for students (for fun). My score was 6/20. I was very sad for a moment because I thought I knew a little more English. But then I took another test on the same site in Finnish, which is my native language. Score: 10/20. My mood improved immediately.
I am so lucky that I can listen to you on UA-cam. I have been learning English for 5 years, my level is almost C1 and now I am learning German. Your guide and suggestions always work!!! Million of thanks, Steve.
Hey, I’m almost at the same level as you are. Can you help me with a sentence? I have no friends who could practice English with me. It’s been stuck in my mind for a few hours. Here it is: I got burned out because I’d been learning English ( for ) the whole of the last year. Is this sentence and the tense I used in it correct? Do you think I should use the past continuous tense? Is time reference correct?
@@lewiswardita9902 The alternatives you’ve come up with are correct, but I want to say the sentence in that specific structure. I wanna know if the choice of tense is right.
The main problem with group language classes: the class moves only as fast as the slowest learner. This is a drag on those who "get" the language more quickly and can lead to tremendous boredom for the faster learners.
Well, I have a different opinion. Helping the other students to learn makes me feel better than just learning alone or with just people who are at the same speed, teaching things to others helps with memorization and gives me the opportunity to see how much I've learn and helps to see some things that I missed. Some of the slow learners pay attention to the small details that the fast learners aren't too bothered about. Besides, knowing that you're above the average in your class gives a little boost in your confidence!
I have another opinion too, when we were in school we never learnt deeply, for example we take one topic and learn it until we totally mastered it, teacher try to teach alot of grammar rules and vocabulary as much as they can they didn't use the best way to learn,now we grew up and we realized which method must follow to reach the goal ( speak effortless english),I'm learning bu my own trought listening and repeatedly it helped me I'm learning subconsciously. Good luck for all learners.
I remember my coworker back in the day saying in a language learning discussion: "I liked English and had no problem with it and would even have enjoyed the classes. If only we hadn't been forced to read about some stupid Big Ben." And then he went on to learn the Language to proficiency from computer games and pursuing his other interests online.
As you said, it is better to learn one language when you stay more focused and motivated about learning, reading about something just I like or have an interest in common, I love how it's incredible to make a difference with it. I want to improve more and more, of course, I like how other languages sound, like German and Spanish, but I will make during other hand when I have more knowledge about English I practice more.
Good advice. I’ve consistently been learning Japanese for about 4 months now but I’ve been very casual about it. About 1 hour a day with around 40 minutes of active listening (and reading with kanji) and then about 20-40 minutes of reviewing concepts, sentences and kanji. But I don’t worry too much when I don’t remember things. I don’t worry about remembering kanji at all and just try to see it in context. The main thing has just been STAY CONSISTENT. I’ve seen so many people say you need multiple hours a day for results. And yes it will be faster. But I’ve gotten great results in a limited amount of time. And since I’ve kept it relatively casual I stay motivated to keep doing it.
#2: Classes can be useful in providing structure. You have to be at a certain course at a certain time, and you know you’ll get X amount of some kind of exposure if you fulfill the class requirements. Of course, providing structure isn’t enough if the class is above or below you, or if the class activities are not enriching at all. I’m thinking here of rote memorization that won’t all stick, or of memorizing and reciting in front of the class the same poem as we did in high school language class - meaning that all 25 (or so) of us memorized and recited the same poem. That def felt like busy work, and to this day I cannot stand that poet! #6: Totally agree here. It’s fun to do something as simple as (for example) using the ATM in Spanish. There are things many of us can’t do in our native languages, such as making a speech or writing a paper on specialized topics, and we don’t tend to waste our time feeling bad about that. Adults so often don’t like feeling like beginners at something, but focusing on what we can do can help with that.
I have been hooked to Duolingo for last 5 years and am currently learning 6 languages, each on different levels. I do keep exploring various ways to keep this habit of learning languages intact. I do struggle with grammar when it comes to certain languages like Spanish and German. I prefer watching web shows / movies in the native language or listening to Podcasts over reading articles in the language I am learning. Your videos are certainly relatable and insightful. Will keep learning.
The Dante Alighieri Italian class is about 40 hours of speaking with other students. For someone who has no access to other Italian speakers, it is a time effective and good value. Cheaper than a tutor. However, choose classes wisely.
Steve I agree with you on the major focus should be outside the classroom, but at a local school we teach a free English class, many people in our community are Spanish speaking and some may stay within their own community, the classroom gives them a less pressure real world to try to speak, and where they can get help from a tutor, which is my great privilege to be
Haha, I love the point about using katakana to write other languages. My roommate in college was from Kyoto and did that. It didn't work at all for English, which was his main learning goal, and it didn't work for Chinese either, which he heard a bit of from friends in our dorm. There was one exception, though. Learning through katakana DID work for him when he took an extended vacation in Central America. His Spanish actually sounded great! He picked up a surprising amount and was very easy to understand.
#2: Stop going to language class. As a language teacher, I actually agree with this, strangely enough. And I tell my students, if they want to learn Arabic to a high level, what we do in class will be the least important part of that.
I am an English Tutor, but I teach only for money at this point. The companies and the language schools still think this system is effective so they put money into it, but as for my personal conviction, I have pretty much lost it. Those who aren't motivated will never learn even 10% of what I've been able to do learning German on my own no matter how many classes they attend. After discovering Steve Kaufmann, I lost belief in the effectiveness of language classes in the traditional sense. I told many of my students that if they had more motivation, they could just learn the language on their own.
I may do a video on what I would tell me class in "core French" in Canada. The gist would be, just spend time with the language. No tests, no marks, just stay active. Watch movies, cartoons, play computer games, ask me any question, just try to keep an open mind and do what you like. We will track your activity.
I like having ‘Nihongo con Teppei’ podcasts play as I do number puzzles. They’re nicely repetitive, but maybe a bit overwhelming if I try to give them my full attention, but this way it’s like having a relative that tells the same story while you’re in the same room. Of course this isn’t all I’m doing: I love kanji, and I’m learning to write them using that portion of the Duolingo app (which app I’ve been using for more than 4 years, and it’s mostly been improving). Well, everything you said here is wise and good, or at least concurs with what I’ve found, with language learning.
It’s true that geography matters to a certain degree, but we can learn everywhere and from anywhere. I know people who speak German very well and who have never lived in a German-speaking country while I see so many foreigners here in Germany who just don’t learn it at all. Otherwise great video as always, thanks!
Role playing scenarios allows the language learner to speak the language sooner than if they just listen to a bunch and wait. It also helps the brain to 'think' in the language. For those reasons, role playing in language learning may have some value.
I love your channel and agree with everything, but I’ve seen research that suggests that the act of taking a test (test-enhanced learning) increases long term retention. (Roediger and Butler 2011; Roediger and Pyc 2012). I would think that if you approached a test with the right attitude, it could be an effective activity to use now and then. Of course, loads of input (Krashen) and output with feedback that helps one notice errors (Swain) are essential components of language acquisition that will bring the best results. Personally, I’ve benefited mostly from focusing on increasing input and output, but taking level tests now and then actually inspires me to work harder. It all depends on your attitude.
Thanks for the studies, I'll look into them. In Germany, all modern textbooks in all school subjects have self-tests after each chapter. The idea is to help the student take charge of their own learning and recognize what parts they are already know well and what parts they need more work on. This is part of a larger trend in recent years of student-centered instruction instead of teacher-centered instruction, and there is plenty of research regarding the benefits of this approach, so just calling this "wrong" is a bit disingenuous. Another thing Steve completely disregards is that standardized exams help employers and institutions evaluate someone's language level in a quick and somewhat objective way. Those tests aren't perfect, but there is no alternative.
شكرًا لك، وأوافقك تمامًا، لقد غيَّرت فيديوهاتك حياتي، بدأتُ معها لتحسين لغتي الإنجليزية، ثم بدأت أتحمس لتعلم لغات أخرى لأنني اكتشفت أني أحبها جدا، والآن أدرس دراسة تقابلية بين اللغة الإسبانية ولغتي العربية في الماستر، تحياتي لك. أعلم أنكَ تعلمتَ اللغة العربية لذلك كتبتُ تعليقي بها. أرجو أن لا يكون صعبًا.
Fab video, thanks, Steve. What's your opinion on copying texts by hand? I consider adding that daily practice to my reading and listening. Best wishes for 2025!
Another thing holding you back would be watching videos on language learning by polyglots. It's a bit like trying to learn to drive when your instructor is a racing driver.
I spent a couple months reading a Japanese Manga in spanish and for a while I felt kind of silly since I was reading a japanese thing in spanish, but yeah I got over that hahaha.
Japanese is one of the hardest for us english speakers when even using LingQ…. you should do an updated set of videos just on japanese gotcha’s with LingQ. Less button pushing and more theory using HOW to use LingQ..since Japanese is rather unique … ie with their long run-on way of speaking and reading and 3 scripts interleaved in a single sentence etc.. I think Chinese would even be easier!.. We need more theory on how to get out brains to work with japanese vs other languages inside lingQ. A series of videos would be very welcome! since its very unlike other languages
'dont take classes'. As you know, in Canada there are tens of thousands of teachers who teach core French classes daily in elementary and highschools. whether you like language classes or not, a lot of people have to take and teach them. So how should a core french tracher make the most of the mandatory language classes? Should they just just say to the kids 'listen to a bunch of french content, and when you notice something interesting about the language, research it a bit'? The challenge with this approach, i think, is that the vast majority of children who take mandatory French classes lack the high motivilation, skills, and time due to their other classes to learn this way. What would steve kaufman do in a mandatory Canadian core french class?
The challenge is to find a way to motivate these learners or to let them learn other languages. I would be happy to have a discussion with a core French teacher on my channel.
@Thelinguist yep. That's the crux of it. A non trivial challenge for the core french teacher is that even if you could motivate the students, they are at the same time as their french course required to take several other courses, in English, which constrains their time and energy for studying french. So it is just hard to intensively focus for some time... And without some intensive periods of focus, I'd bet it is hard to reach proficient levels in the language.
Steve any thoughts of improving the UI of lingq? I find sometimes navigating and organizing my lingq uploads to be a huge painful process because of the UI. Great platform for being able to import basically anything. But really hard on the user when it comes to getting all that info nice and tidy. Perhaps im missing something. And if i am id love a video about tips to keeping your lingq page tidy
I went to a French class last month, because I want to learn some basics of French, like pronunciation, the basic grammar, I hope it can help me get some shortcuts in French learning. But, it's so boring to sit in the classroom😂😂😂I just want to sleep. Then I quit it and go back to LingQ again. 🤣🤣🤣I mean, no shortcuts in language learning, it is pain because we are learning something new, this is inevitable. Patience, discipline and persistence. That's all.
Talked with a person learning a language. He insists on NOT using a grammar textbook. This poor guy can't make a single sentence in a conversation without massive grammer mistakes. Yikkkkes. Buy / borrow a textbook / go take a class and study- that's how you end up being capable of having a conversation
Grazie ❤ seguo sempre i tuoi video. Ma come ricordare i caratteri cinesi? Al momento li scrivo molte volte ma non so se è il modo migliore perché ci vuole un sacco di tempo 😢
Are there any libraries, schools, or other institutions where members can get a lingq subscription? Id love to see it in language learning schools and the sort. Alliance Francaise, im looking at you.
Mr. Kaufmann, what advice would you give for trying to learn dead languages, or maybe the previous form of a modern language? To be more specific, let’s go with Latin. Thank you for your time.
Well, i would like to use Lingq and read extensively, but it seems like there is almost no interest in adding new languages. Waiting for Thai for more than 5 years :(
i Steve Kaufmann, I’m from North Africa and the subscription cost for the LingQ app is quite expensive for me, equivalent to the wage of an entire day’s work. Would you consider offering a temporary discount on the subscription price? Please🙏
@cjschneidt9089 Yes, the situation in Algeria is very bad. I work a full day in strenuous jobs and earn less than ten dollars, and the subscription to the app is very expensive for me. I want to learn English
I have subscribed to probably over 80 percent of Spanish learning podcasters on UA-cam. Some I have found were posted several years ago 😮 I am really spinning my wheels I think!! HELP!! I am stuck in a rut!! 😢
He said clearly in this video that learning a tricky language will prime you for learning others and being in an environment where you hear other languages helps.
I am a resident of Japan and I believe your comment about TOEIC is just a symptom of a larger issue with Japanese education which is highly focused on memorization and test-taking as the primary form of education. Things are changing in this area, but very slowly. UA-cam has been big for Japanese English learners. You should look at this great of a Japanese person learning English by playing GTA V: ua-cam.com/video/J1e4OVGxokI/v-deo.html
Woe, I've learned English and French all wrong. Why nobody speaks of emotions? Remembering something involves emoting. Funny languages like Polish or French are easy. Piłka odbiła się od słupka bramki, sportowcy w niebieskich koszulkach, canne à pêche, sac-a-dos, par terre, Like Spaniards say ja-ja-ja-ja
This list sounds too harsh and biased. I know that Steve made a good tool for immersion in Language, but it doesn't mean that all other tools are useless.
HI STEVE I HAVE SUBSCRIBED YOUR CHANNEL FROM 2022 AND LISTENED YOUR VIDEOS, I ALSO WANT LEARN MORE LANGUAGE, I AM FROM PAKISTAN 🇵🇰. I CAN LEARN 4 LANGUAGE BUT I WANT MORE MY DOUGHTER ARE LIVING IN DENMARK 🇩🇰, I WANT LEARN DANISH LANGUAGE I GO THERE EVERY YEAR. KINDLY GUIDE ME HOW LEARN 🎉🎉🎉
Tests may not be perfect, but at least they are something, which is better than nothing. If you ignore tests, then you have nothing. How can you objectively measure the level of fluency of a person? For example there are many UA-camrs who claim to be fluent in a language but they don't show any evidence for it. If a person has passed a certain proficiency test, at least that is something.
tests are both too specific in that they determine competence through knowledge of rules and grammar, and too broad in that they don't cover enough real world circumstances to tell you anything meaningful about someone's ability. your level is a personal thing, and it's determined through looking at where you are and comparing it to where you'd like to be
I agree and disagree. Many people stay motivated by taking tests like TOEIC in Japan and it can show you the progress of your learning. But there's someone like me who hasn't been into taking tests much, but reached a certain level by learning in my own way. People have their own reasons for taking tests. So saying ‘stop taking tests' isn't quite appropriate in my opinion.
not sure how you came to that conclusion. steve always advocates for keeping it interesting (fun) to you. you don't need lingq to learn through comprehensible input but it is the best tool for it at the moment
Some of this advice sucks and seems to be directing people away from useful things (classes and role-plays) to LingQ or LingQ-adjacent activities, which is disappointing.
everything he says is true. classes are an inefficient use of time, as are role plays for other reasons. comprehensible input through mass reading and listening is the quickest and most effective way to acquire a language (and it can be done for free)
I AM interested how alcohol infects on language learning.... On week time I learn language and at weekend I drink half of 0,7 bottle of wine.... So....
@@Thelinguist LingQ I know I paid and became a member of LingQ years ago but I can’t do anything on there now! I don’t know how to communicate to them and see if they can help find my status which should have been PAID IN FULL for everything years ago and for a few years I can’t use it. I used to like it but I am not sure now!! 😢
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
📲 The app I use to learn languages: bit.ly/3DcteI7
🆓 My 10 FREE secrets to language learning: bit.ly/41klIF5
❓Do you agree? Tell me in the comments!
I respect how Steve has been making the same video on a weekly basis for more than a decade and yet we continue to watch.
Yep, I'm back to 😂
@@jjjjjjo839
back too* not back to ❤
It's just a pleasure and motivation to listen to him
Thanks for creating LingQ
I know I paid and became a member of LingQ years ago but I can’t do anything on there now! I don’t know how to communicate to them and see if they can help find my status which should have been PAID IN FULL for everything years ago and for a few years I can’t use it. I used to like it but I am not sure now!! 😢
Steve woke up and decided to spit facts.
Thank you for validating my learning process. I started learning French three years ago when I retired. I do it for my personal enjoyment, and to help keep the French language alive in southwest Louisiana. In the beginning, I followed a very traditional path which was no fun at all. So ditched random vocabulary memorization, chapter tests, level tests, even reading comprehension tests. LinqQ has been an invaluable resource for me. On my third attempt, I found an online, beginner, very small conversational French class and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I hope to one day be able to speak French with my granddaughter who will attend a French Immersion school. ⚜️
Hello I'm french looking forward to practice in english and help in french, let me know if you're up to
Language classes have always helped me alot: but my friends and I used to meet once a week to hang around at a nice pub or a mall to use English (my native language being Portuguese) and they helped me keep on taking the course! And the language school helps those who have difficulties in finishing things with this!
I once took an online English grammar test for students (for fun). My score was 6/20. I was very sad for a moment because I thought I knew a little more English. But then I took another test on the same site in Finnish, which is my native language. Score: 10/20. My mood improved immediately.
I am so lucky that I can listen to you on UA-cam. I have been learning English for 5 years, my level is almost C1 and now I am learning German. Your guide and suggestions always work!!! Million of thanks, Steve.
Hey, I’m almost at the same level as you are. Can you help me with a sentence? I have no friends who could practice English with me. It’s been stuck in my mind for a few hours. Here it is:
I got burned out because I’d been learning English ( for ) the whole of the last year.
Is this sentence and the tense I used in it correct? Do you think I should use the past continuous tense? Is time reference correct?
@@HesamVazifehdan Personally I'd say: I feel a bit burned out after spending the whole of last year learning English
@@HesamVazifehdan Or: I studied English last year so much that I feel a bit burned out
@@HesamVazifehdan I'd say: "I got burned out because i've been learning English for the whole last year.
@@lewiswardita9902 The alternatives you’ve come up with are correct, but I want to say the sentence in that specific structure. I wanna know if the choice of tense is right.
The main problem with group language classes: the class moves only as fast as the slowest learner. This is a drag on those who "get" the language more quickly and can lead to tremendous boredom for the faster learners.
I love italki classes that are one on one
@@kevomswahilifitness5447 Yes, I agree. One-on-one is definitely the way to go. You can proceed at the pace that is best for you.
Well, I have a different opinion. Helping the other students to learn makes me feel better than just learning alone or with just people who are at the same speed, teaching things to others helps with memorization and gives me the opportunity to see how much I've learn and helps to see some things that I missed. Some of the slow learners pay attention to the small details that the fast learners aren't too bothered about.
Besides, knowing that you're above the average in your class gives a little boost in your confidence!
That’s how classes in school are!
I have another opinion too, when we were in school we never learnt deeply, for example we take one topic and learn it until we totally mastered it, teacher try to teach alot of grammar rules and vocabulary as much as they can they didn't use the best way to learn,now we grew up and we realized which method must follow to reach the goal ( speak effortless english),I'm learning bu my own trought listening and repeatedly it helped me I'm learning subconsciously.
Good luck for all learners.
I remember my coworker back in the day saying in a language learning discussion: "I liked English and had no problem with it and would even have enjoyed the classes. If only we hadn't been forced to read about some stupid Big Ben." And then he went on to learn the Language to proficiency from computer games and pursuing his other interests online.
Thanks for sharing a bit of your time and advices with us!
As you said, it is better to learn one language when you stay more focused and motivated about learning, reading about something just I like or have an interest in common, I love how it's incredible to make a difference with it.
I want to improve more and more, of course, I like how other languages sound, like German and Spanish, but I will make during other hand when I have more knowledge about English I practice more.
Good advice. I’ve consistently been learning Japanese for about 4 months now but I’ve been very casual about it. About 1 hour a day with around 40 minutes of active listening (and reading with kanji) and then about 20-40 minutes of reviewing concepts, sentences and kanji. But I don’t worry too much when I don’t remember things. I don’t worry about remembering kanji at all and just try to see it in context. The main thing has just been STAY CONSISTENT. I’ve seen so many people say you need multiple hours a day for results. And yes it will be faster. But I’ve gotten great results in a limited amount of time. And since I’ve kept it relatively casual I stay motivated to keep doing it.
#2: Classes can be useful in providing structure. You have to be at a certain course at a certain time, and you know you’ll get X amount of some kind of exposure if you fulfill the class requirements. Of course, providing structure isn’t enough if the class is above or below you, or if the class activities are not enriching at all. I’m thinking here of rote memorization that won’t all stick, or of memorizing and reciting in front of the class the same poem as we did in high school language class - meaning that all 25 (or so) of us memorized and recited the same poem. That def felt like busy work, and to this day I cannot stand that poet!
#6: Totally agree here. It’s fun to do something as simple as (for example) using the ATM in Spanish. There are things many of us can’t do in our native languages, such as making a speech or writing a paper on specialized topics, and we don’t tend to waste our time feeling bad about that. Adults so often don’t like feeling like beginners at something, but focusing on what we can do can help with that.
Thanks for the wonderful video, Steve, and for the shoutout to my book! I’m looking forward to chatting with you next week! 🥰
Long overdue! 😊
I have been hooked to Duolingo for last 5 years and am currently learning 6 languages, each on different levels. I do keep exploring various ways to keep this habit of learning languages intact. I do struggle with grammar when it comes to certain languages like Spanish and German. I prefer watching web shows / movies in the native language or listening to Podcasts over reading articles in the language I am learning.
Your videos are certainly relatable and insightful. Will keep learning.
The Dante Alighieri Italian class is about 40 hours of speaking with other students. For someone who has no access to other Italian speakers, it is a time effective and good value. Cheaper than a tutor. However, choose classes wisely.
Steve I agree with you on the major focus should be outside the classroom, but at a local school we teach a free English class, many people in our community are Spanish speaking and some may stay within their own community, the classroom gives them a less pressure real world to try to speak, and where they can get help from a tutor, which is my great privilege to be
Thank you so much, Steve!
I really, really hope that luca interview you're doing will be spoken in italian. That would be some great C.I.
I suggest cross talk. Steve in English and Luca in Italian.
Haha, I love the point about using katakana to write other languages. My roommate in college was from Kyoto and did that. It didn't work at all for English, which was his main learning goal, and it didn't work for Chinese either, which he heard a bit of from friends in our dorm. There was one exception, though. Learning through katakana DID work for him when he took an extended vacation in Central America. His Spanish actually sounded great! He picked up a surprising amount and was very easy to understand.
Great video! I really appreciate it!
#2: Stop going to language class. As a language teacher, I actually agree with this, strangely enough. And I tell my students, if they want to learn Arabic to a high level, what we do in class will be the least important part of that.
I am an English Tutor, but I teach only for money at this point. The companies and the language schools still think this system is effective so they put money into it, but as for my personal conviction, I have pretty much lost it. Those who aren't motivated will never learn even 10% of what I've been able to do learning German on my own no matter how many classes they attend. After discovering Steve Kaufmann, I lost belief in the effectiveness of language classes in the traditional sense. I told many of my students that if they had more motivation, they could just learn the language on their own.
I may do a video on what I would tell me class in "core French" in Canada. The gist would be, just spend time with the language. No tests, no marks, just stay active. Watch movies, cartoons, play computer games, ask me any question, just try to keep an open mind and do what you like. We will track your activity.
I like having ‘Nihongo con Teppei’ podcasts play as I do number puzzles. They’re nicely repetitive, but maybe a bit overwhelming if I try to give them my full attention, but this way it’s like having a relative that tells the same story while you’re in the same room. Of course this isn’t all I’m doing: I love kanji, and I’m learning to write them using that portion of the Duolingo app (which app I’ve been using for more than 4 years, and it’s mostly been improving). Well, everything you said here is wise and good, or at least concurs with what I’ve found, with language learning.
It’s true that geography matters to a certain degree, but we can learn everywhere and from anywhere. I know people who speak German very well and who have never lived in a German-speaking country while I see so many foreigners here in Germany who just don’t learn it at all. Otherwise great video as always, thanks!
Role playing scenarios allows the language learner to speak the language sooner than if they just listen to a bunch and wait. It also helps the brain to 'think' in the language. For those reasons, role playing in language learning may have some value.
I love your channel and agree with everything, but I’ve seen research that suggests that the act of taking a test (test-enhanced learning) increases long term retention. (Roediger and Butler 2011; Roediger and Pyc 2012). I would think that if you approached a test with the right attitude, it could be an effective activity to use now and then. Of course, loads of input (Krashen) and output with feedback that helps one notice errors (Swain) are essential components of language acquisition that will bring the best results. Personally, I’ve benefited mostly from focusing on increasing input and output, but taking level tests now and then actually inspires me to work harder. It all depends on your attitude.
Thanks for the studies, I'll look into them. In Germany, all modern textbooks in all school subjects have self-tests after each chapter. The idea is to help the student take charge of their own learning and recognize what parts they are already know well and what parts they need more work on. This is part of a larger trend in recent years of student-centered instruction instead of teacher-centered instruction, and there is plenty of research regarding the benefits of this approach, so just calling this "wrong" is a bit disingenuous.
Another thing Steve completely disregards is that standardized exams help employers and institutions evaluate someone's language level in a quick and somewhat objective way. Those tests aren't perfect, but there is no alternative.
Good tips!
Great video! Peace out!
What are we, some kind of language learning squad?
스티브님이 대단해요. 진짜 모범생이다.
شكرًا لك، وأوافقك تمامًا، لقد غيَّرت فيديوهاتك حياتي، بدأتُ معها لتحسين لغتي الإنجليزية، ثم بدأت أتحمس لتعلم لغات أخرى لأنني اكتشفت أني أحبها جدا، والآن أدرس دراسة تقابلية بين اللغة الإسبانية ولغتي العربية في الماستر، تحياتي لك. أعلم أنكَ تعلمتَ اللغة العربية لذلك كتبتُ تعليقي بها. أرجو أن لا يكون صعبًا.
Fab video, thanks, Steve. What's your opinion on copying texts by hand? I consider adding that daily practice to my reading and listening. Best wishes for 2025!
Another thing holding you back would be watching videos on language learning by polyglots. It's a bit like trying to learn to drive when your instructor is a racing driver.
I spent a couple months reading a Japanese Manga in spanish and for a while I felt kind of silly since I was reading a japanese thing in spanish, but yeah I got over that hahaha.
Thank you ❤❤❤❤❤❤
As Japanese, I couldn't agree with you more!!
Japanese is one of the hardest for us english speakers when even using LingQ…. you should do an updated set of videos just on japanese gotcha’s with LingQ. Less button pushing and more theory using HOW to use LingQ..since Japanese is rather unique … ie with their long run-on way of speaking and reading and 3 scripts interleaved in a single sentence etc.. I think Chinese would even be easier!.. We need more theory on how to get out brains to work with japanese vs other languages inside lingQ. A series of videos would be very welcome! since its very unlike other languages
'dont take classes'.
As you know, in Canada there are tens of thousands of teachers who teach core French classes daily in elementary and highschools. whether you like language classes or not, a lot of people have to take and teach them. So how should a core french tracher make the most of the mandatory language classes?
Should they just just say to the kids 'listen to a bunch of french content, and when you notice something interesting about the language, research it a bit'? The challenge with this approach, i think, is that the vast majority of children who take mandatory French classes lack the high motivilation, skills, and time due to their other classes to learn this way.
What would steve kaufman do in a mandatory Canadian core french class?
The challenge is to find a way to motivate these learners or to let them learn other languages. I would be happy to have a discussion with a core French teacher on my channel.
@Thelinguist yep. That's the crux of it.
A non trivial challenge for the core french teacher is that even if you could motivate the students, they are at the same time as their french course required to take several other courses, in English, which constrains their time and energy for studying french. So it is just hard to intensively focus for some time... And without some intensive periods of focus, I'd bet it is hard to reach proficient levels in the language.
@Thelinguist I'd have a discussion but respectfully, there is no way I would do it on video.
Thanks
Steve any thoughts of improving the UI of lingq? I find sometimes navigating and organizing my lingq uploads to be a huge painful process because of the UI. Great platform for being able to import basically anything. But really hard on the user when it comes to getting all that info nice and tidy. Perhaps im missing something. And if i am id love a video about tips to keeping your lingq page tidy
Hello Steve, have a good day.❤❤❤❤
I went to a French class last month, because I want to learn some basics of French, like pronunciation, the basic grammar, I hope it can help me get some shortcuts in French learning. But, it's so boring to sit in the classroom😂😂😂I just want to sleep. Then I quit it and go back to LingQ again. 🤣🤣🤣I mean, no shortcuts in language learning, it is pain because we are learning something new, this is inevitable. Patience, discipline and persistence. That's all.
Hello I'm a french looking forward to practice in english and help in french too, let me know if you're up to 🤓
I disagree about vocab. Anki is absolutely insane in regards to efficiency. It really helps to remember the words you read.
Talked with a person learning a language. He insists on NOT using a grammar textbook. This poor guy can't make a single sentence in a conversation without massive grammer mistakes.
Yikkkkes. Buy / borrow a textbook / go take a class and study- that's how you end up being capable of having a conversation
Low scores in English in Japan? They were fretting about that 25 years ago when I was teaching there.
It's worse now. Most don't even want to learn.
Grazie ❤ seguo sempre i tuoi video. Ma come ricordare i caratteri cinesi? Al momento li scrivo molte volte ma non so se è il modo migliore perché ci vuole un sacco di tempo 😢
8:08 😮
that kind of phrase is never used in everyday japanese talk
Are there any libraries, schools, or other institutions where members can get a lingq subscription? Id love to see it in language learning schools and the sort. Alliance Francaise, im looking at you.
We have had discussions with libraries but still early.
@Thelinguist that's wonderful. I would think libraries would be more into the reading part of lingq and it would help proliferate your methodology.
I wonder what your thoughts are about the JLPT?
Mr. Kaufmann, what advice would you give for trying to learn dead languages, or maybe the previous form of a modern language? To be more specific, let’s go with Latin. Thank you for your time.
Well, i would like to use Lingq and read extensively, but it seems like there is almost no interest in adding new languages. Waiting for Thai for more than 5 years :(
i Steve Kaufmann, I’m from North Africa and the subscription cost for the LingQ app is quite expensive for me, equivalent to the wage of an entire day’s work. Would you consider offering a temporary discount on the subscription price? Please🙏
An entire days wage? What language are you learning?
What language? You can get comprehensible input by searching "comprehensible input" + the language name on youtube
@cjschneidt9089 Yes, the situation in Algeria is very bad. I work a full day in strenuous jobs and earn less than ten dollars, and the subscription to the app is very expensive for me. I want to learn English
@UwuaJajaj ua-cam.com/play/PLqE81DRO-TpG_N6Qb50_9dxp0p8iljOBV.html&si=tJTWHQcLhV73kDmS
The resources out there so many that you don't have to pay to learn a language.
Language classes are necessary for Asl, I'd argue
Watching videos on UA-cam has held me back.
Between watching Luca and Steve with a bit of Language Simp for some comedy I don't have a lot of time to learn all the languages I want.
I have subscribed to probably over 80 percent of Spanish learning podcasters on UA-cam. Some I have found were posted several years ago 😮 I am really spinning my wheels I think!! HELP!! I am stuck in a rut!! 😢
Do you find your early exposure to living in China and Japan trained your ability to learn languages well or do you feel it’s due to natural talent?
He said clearly in this video that learning a tricky language will prime you for learning others and being in an environment where you hear other languages helps.
I never lived in China, but n general being exposed to languages improves your ability to learn other languages.
I am a resident of Japan and I believe your comment about TOEIC is just a symptom of a larger issue with Japanese education which is highly focused on memorization and test-taking as the primary form of education. Things are changing in this area, but very slowly. UA-cam has been big for Japanese English learners.
You should look at this great of a Japanese person learning English by playing GTA V: ua-cam.com/video/J1e4OVGxokI/v-deo.html
Woe, I've learned English and French all wrong. Why nobody speaks of emotions? Remembering something involves emoting. Funny languages like Polish or French are easy. Piłka odbiła się od słupka bramki, sportowcy w niebieskich koszulkach, canne à pêche, sac-a-dos, par terre, Like Spaniards say ja-ja-ja-ja
Can you get lingq for a school class?
And can the content be moderated so it's appropriate for children?
Yes
Please speak about world oldest language Tamil from INDIA
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So basically here all methods are discarded in the interests of self-promotion. Okay. Got it.
This list sounds too harsh and biased. I know that Steve made a good tool for immersion in Language, but it doesn't mean that all other tools are useless.
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Primer comentario, I AM THE NUMBER ONE FUN. ☺️
Hey.
👍🏿📖🙏🏼
HI STEVE I HAVE SUBSCRIBED YOUR CHANNEL FROM 2022 AND LISTENED YOUR VIDEOS, I ALSO WANT LEARN MORE LANGUAGE, I AM FROM PAKISTAN 🇵🇰. I CAN LEARN 4 LANGUAGE BUT I WANT MORE MY DOUGHTER ARE LIVING IN DENMARK 🇩🇰, I WANT LEARN DANISH LANGUAGE I GO THERE EVERY YEAR. KINDLY GUIDE ME HOW LEARN 🎉🎉🎉
Tests may not be perfect, but at least they are something, which is better than nothing.
If you ignore tests, then you have nothing.
How can you objectively measure the level of fluency of a person?
For example there are many UA-camrs who claim to be fluent in a language but they don't show any evidence for it.
If a person has passed a certain proficiency test, at least that is something.
tests are both too specific in that they determine competence through knowledge of rules and grammar, and too broad in that they don't cover enough real world circumstances to tell you anything meaningful about someone's ability. your level is a personal thing, and it's determined through looking at where you are and comparing it to where you'd like to be
Tests are not objective.
I agree and disagree. Many people stay motivated by taking tests like TOEIC in Japan and it can show you the progress of your learning.
But there's someone like me who hasn't been into taking tests much, but reached a certain level by learning in my own way.
People have their own reasons for taking tests. So saying ‘stop taking tests' isn't quite appropriate in my opinion.
Wait, it's not appropriate for him to give advice?
Read it again and you'll know I didn't mean that
Hello everyone. Is anyone interested in practicing speaking English? I want a partner to practice with.
First comments 🎉
No Japanese. Bye japanese
Try to learn Sinhala.....most rich language in the world...trust me u would love it...😍😍
In short: STOP having fun, START throwing out money for LingQ ...
Steve Kaufmann is an inspiration and I don't plan to join LingQ anytime soon.
Linkq is great I’m even considering getting a subscription
not sure how you came to that conclusion. steve always advocates for keeping it interesting (fun) to you. you don't need lingq to learn through comprehensible input but it is the best tool for it at the moment
Is taking tests fun 🤔
LingQ is a lot of fun but I do like taking the tests. I think going up in Chinese HSK is a fun goal and to see where I am at.
Some of this advice sucks and seems to be directing people away from useful things (classes and role-plays) to LingQ or LingQ-adjacent activities, which is disappointing.
everything he says is true. classes are an inefficient use of time, as are role plays for other reasons. comprehensible input through mass reading and listening is the quickest and most effective way to acquire a language (and it can be done for free)
Do you really think role-plays are an effective way to learn a language ?
I AM interested how alcohol infects on language learning.... On week time I learn language and at weekend I drink half of 0,7 bottle of wine.... So....
Can you get lingq for a school class?
Yes
@@Thelinguist
LingQ
I know I paid and became a member of LingQ years ago but I can’t do anything on there now! I don’t know how to communicate to them and see if they can help find my status which should have been PAID IN FULL for everything years ago and for a few years I can’t use it. I used to like it but I am not sure now!! 😢
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